Canadian 50 Cent

Calgary Coin offers an extensive selection of Canadian 50 cent coins for sale on the internet and in my store here in Calgary. I always have many dates available in a variety of grades and prices for collectors at all levels, usually priced at a discount from the Canadian Coin News trend sheet price guide.

I normally do not provide images my coins as I have thousands of coins, sometimes multiples of the same coin. Imaging even a tiny percent of them would be impossible and putting that many images on my web pages would make them difficult to download, plus for inexpensive coins the value to the time to create the images would far exceed the value of the coins. I grade conservatively, describing any significant defects, including minor ones many dealers would not mention. If you ever receive a coin from me that you are not satisfied with, please feel free to return it for a full refund.

From 1870 to 1919 half dollars were 11.62 grams of sterling (92.5%) silver containing 0.345 ounces of silver. From 1920 to 1967 they are 11.66 grams of 80% silver containing 0.30 ounces of silver. In many cases lower quality examples are only worth their silver value and the cost of handling them means I cannot list those here, although in my store I sometimes have silver value examples available.

Note that throughout this page I will switch back and forth referring those these as 50 cents and as half dollars. While they are correctly called 50 cents, people will be doing web searches using both terms and this page is designed to allow for that.

Prices are in Canadian Dollars

QUEEN VICTORIAAD 1837 - 1901

image of type only

Victorian 50 cent coins were the work horse coins of their day, representing about half a days pay to a common laborer so too much money for people to save at the time. This is why most surviving examples are worn to below F-12 and it is common to see them in aG-3 and it is not unusual so see examples worn with light damage and edge nicks. All dates are rare to very rare in Mint State and assembling a date set even in a grade of problem free XF-40 is challenging. For those collectors who are assembling type collections so only need one Victorian half dollar, 1870 LCW and 1872 H are the two most common so least expensive in all grades.

1870 50 Cent

The first Canadian half dollar is the 1870, found with in two obverse varieties. The more common is obverse 2, known as the LCW type as the designers initials L.C.W. can be seen on Victoria's bust truncation plus there is a small shamrock inside the first arch to the left on her crown. The much rarer 1870 no LCW coins lack both the L.C.W. and shamrock and will always have a weak struck date. Then purchasing a no LCS example to is important to look closely to be certain LCS and shamrock have not been removed although there are other minor differences that they cannot manipulate in the same way.

One 1872 H obverse has a cross bar inside the V in Victoria which appears to be an inverted A punch. There is some controversy as to if this is really an inverted A or a V with a small die break in it, but it is collected as the A for V variety, and is much scarcer than the normal V type.

1872 H .................................. F-12 $120.00

1872 H Inverted A for V ............. ICCS G-4 $225.00

1872 H Inverted A for V ................. VG-8 $400.00

1872 H Inverted A for V ............ ICCS VG-8 $415.00

1881 50 Cent

1881 H ...... cleaned but looks good ... VF-20 $260.00

1881 H .............. numerous digs ICCS VF-30 $160.00

1888 50 Cent

1888 obv. 2 ........................ ICCS VG-8 SOLD

1888 obv. 3 ......................... ICCS G-4 SOLD

1890 H 50 Cent

This is the rarest date of Victorian half dollars. Most examples we see have problems, often weak rims, and they are often cleaned and light marks. While finding any example is difficult, attractive examples in any grade are especially hard to find. In the lower grades they are usually nicked or marked up in some ways, often the rims are weak. Problem free example sell at premiums over the Trend Sheet listings.

1890 H .. absolutely problem free ... ICCS G-4 SOLD

1892 50 Cent

1892 obverse 4 .......................... F-15 $295.00

1894 50 Cent

1894 .................................... aG-3 $275.00

1894 ................................ NGC VG-8 $675.00

1898 50 Cent

1898 .............................. ICCS VG-10 $165.00

1898 ............................... NGC AU-58 $6250.00

1899 50 Cent

On this date some examples have a slightly larger first 9 than other examples. One reference book says it is the last 9 that is different but that seems to be an error.

With a mintage of only about 40,000 the 1905 half dollar is by far the rarest of the Edwardian series and finding high grade examples is challenging. This is why in grades of VF-20 or higher than are more expensive and much more difficult to find than 1948 silver dollars.

1905 mnr lamination . ICCS Planchet Flaw XF-40 $2000.00

1906 50 Cent

1906 ................................ G-4/aG-3 $10.00

1906 ..................................... G-4 $12.00

1906 ..................................... G-6 $18.00

1906 .................................... F-15 $95.00

1906 ........ a little bright .......... AU-50 $725.00

1907 50 Cent

1907 ................... a few marks ICCS VG-8 $24.00

The Royal Canadian Mint opened in Ottawa in 1908 after which nearly all Canadian coins were minted in Canada. While the designs remained the same, the die axis for was changed from "coinage" to "medal", except for the 1 cent coins which had always been made at medal axis. Coinage die axis means that if you place your fingers above and below the portrait then spin the coin around the other side comes out upside down. Medal axis means it comes out the same way up.

1908 50 Cent

1908 ............................. scratch G-4 $14.50

1908 ..................................... G-4 $20.00

1909 50 Cent

1909 ....... ICCS F-12 but in my opinion VG-10 SOLD

1910 50 Cent

The reverse design was modified part way through the year. Earlier examples having a wreath of Victorian leaves which are more pointed and closer to the denticles. Later examples have Edwardian leaves with more rounded tips ending slightly farther from the denticles. On worn examples they can be difficult to differentiate. 1910 is the only year found with both types.

1910 Victorian leaves ................... F-12 $60.00

1910 Edwardian leaves .................... G-4 $12.00

1910 Edwardian leaves .................... G-6 $16.00

GEORGE VAD 1911 - 1936

image of 1911 type only

1911 50 Cent

George V coins were introduced in 1911 with "DEI GRATIA", Latin for "God' Grace", omitted from the obverse inscription. Known as the "GODLESS COINS" there was a public out rage and in 1912 "DEI GRATIA" returned to Canadian coins.

1911 Godless ............................. G-6 SOLD

image of 1912 TO 1936 type only

1912 50 Cent

1912 ..................................... G-6 $13.00

1912 .......................... scratches VG-8 $11.00

1912 ........................... rim bump VG-8 $13.00

1912 .................................... VG-8 $16.00

1913 50 Cent

1913 ................................ mark G-6 $10.00

1913 ..................................... G-6 $13.00

1914 50 Cent

1914 ................................ G-6/aG-3 $16.00

1914 ........................... scratches G-6 $20.00

1914 ..................................... G-6 $28.00

1914 ................................ VG-8/G-4 $28.00

1914 .................................... F-15 $180.00

No Canadian half dollars were struck in 1915.

1916 50 Cent

1916 ..................................... G-6 $10.00

1916 ........................ light marks VG-8 $10.00

1916 .................................... VG-8 $12.00

1916 .......................... mark ICCS F-12 $28.00

1916 . attractive but once cleaned, ICCS AU-55 $420.00

1917 50 Cent

1917 .................................... VG-8 $11.50

1918 50 Cent

1918 ..................................... G-6 $10.00

1918 ......................... minor mark VG-8 $10.00

1918 ........................... rim bump VG-8 $10.00

1918 .................................... VG-8 $12.00

1918 ................................... VG-10 $15.00

1918 ............................... ICCS F-12 $24.00

1919 50 Cent

1919 .................................... VG-8 $11.50

1919 ................................... VG-10 $15.50

1919 ............................... ICCS F-15 $32.00

While there were no design changes between 1912 and 1936, the alloy from which these are struck was reduced from the previous sterling (92.5%) silver to 80% silver starting in 1920.

1920 50 Cent

There are two varieties of the 1920 50 cent. The common variety is the small or narrow 0 where the inside of the 0 of 1920 is a narrow oval slightly pointed at the top and bottom, and the 0 is slightly smaller than the 2. The scarcer is the large or wide 0 where the inside of the 0 is a wider oval more rounded top and bottom, and about the same size as the 2. You will need magnification to tell the difference.

1920 narrow (small) 0 .................... G-6 $12.00

1920 narrow (small) 0 .......... rim bump VG-8 $12.00

1920 narrow (small) 0 ................... VG-8 $16.00

1920 wide (large) 0 ...................... G-6 SOLD

1921 50 Cent

Over 200,000 Canadian half dollars were minted in 1921 but there was no demand for them so nearly all sat in the mint unused until 1928. No one knows how many were actually put in circulation but today there are less than 100 known to exist. The banks started ordering half dollars from the mint in 1929 but the mint master melted down the remaining 1921's and used the metal to strike 1929's.

1921 ............................... ANY GRADE WANTED

With no demand for half dollars during most of the 1920's, none were struck from 1922 to 1928.

1929 50 Cent

1929 ..................................... G-6 $10.00

1929 ................................ VG-8/G-6 $11.00

1929 .................................... VG-8 $12.00

1929 ........................ brown toned VG-8 $12.00

1929 ................................... VG-10 $18.50

1929 ............................... ICCS F-12 $18.00

Demand for 50 cent coins remained low during the depression, with none struck in the years 1930, 1933 and 1935, with only small mintages of 1931, 1932, 1934 and 1936.

1931 50 Cent

1931 ..................................... G-6 $19.50

1931 ................................ VG-8/G-6 $24.00

1931 .................................... VG-8 $28.00

1931 ............................... ICCS VG-8 $28.00

1931 ............................... ICCS F-15 $70.00

1932 50 Cent

Just over 19,000 1932 50 cents were struck, just slightly more than 1948 dollars but were not thought of as rare are the time so most examples we see to day are fairly heavily circulated to worn. Finding high grade examples is difficult. Until the 1990's the true rarity was not appreciated at which time prices rose dramatically and today those grading above XF-40 they are more expensive than 1948 dollars.

The relief on 1932 50 cents appears to be different than other dates and in circulation the high point of the crown band wears very quickly relative to the rest of the coin and these have to be graded by a slightly different standard then other dates where even in F-12 and F-15 the middle of the crown band will be worn through slightly but the leaves on the reverse will have the same degree of wear as a F-12 or F-15 in other dates.

1932 ........... light cleaning, scratch VG-10 $125.00

No Canadian half dollars were struck in 1933.

1934 50 Cent

Just over 39,000 1934 50 cents were struck which is still a very low mintage, and like 1932 50 cents were not thought of as scarce while such coins still circulated and finding examples above VF-20 is difficult.

1934 .................... heavy bag marks VG-8 $17.50

1934 .............................. mark VG-10 $36.00

1934 ............................... ICCS F-12 $48.00

1934 .................................... F-15 $77.50

1934 ............................... ICCS F-15 $77.50

1934 .............................. mark VF-20 $77.50

No Canadian half dollars were struck in 1935.

1936 50 Cent

The mintage of 1936 50 cents is just slightly less than the 1934, at a little under 39,000, and they to are difficult to find above VF-20 is difficult.

1936 ................................... VF-20 SOLD

GEORGE VIAD 1937 - 1952

image of 1937 TO 1947 type only

With the depression ending, as George VI came to the throne, the demand for 50 cent coins increased and we see the mintages beginning to increase dramatically starting in 1937. Through the 1940's the mintages for most years exceeded a million coins, with the exceptions being 1947 maple leaf and 1948 (both made in 1948 and discussed below) and 1949 which was nearly a million. All of these dates are often seen with a fair amount of wear on them, showing they saw fairly wide circulation.

There is an odd feature in the George V half dollars when we cannot yet explain. For some reason in most of the years we see at least one die exhibits a die cracked extending from the unicorn's hoof across the last digit or digits of the date, sometimes also propagating in the other direction as well. While die cracks are seen on many coins in many positions, it is the fact that it is see in the exact same position on so many different dates that is interesting, and suggests something in the designs causes a weakness in these dies, although what ever it is not obvious. To date we have noticed in on examples from a 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945 1946, 1949, 1950 and 1952, but expect it occurs on others as well. I have also seen it faintly on a 1953.

1937 50 Cent

1937 .................................... F-12 $10.00

1937 ................................... VF-20 $13.50

1937 ...................... light toning VF-20 $13.50

1937 ................................... XF-40 $18.00

1937 ........................ light tone AU-50 $23.00

1937 ................................... MS-62 $52.50

1938 50 Cent

The 1938 half dollar is not a rare coin as the mintage was just over 192,000, and circulated coins are easily available and relatively inexpensive. The lower end uncirculated coins from MS-60 to MS-63 are also fairly but not as common as the 1937 with a similar mintage, but coins nicer than MS-63 are rare and fairly expensive. The same is true for 1938 dollars, so it likely had something to do with mint handling procedures that year.

1938 .................................... F-15 $17.00

1938 ..................... marks in hair VF-20 $14.50

1938 ......................... tiny mark VF-20 $16.00

1938 ................................... VF-20 $20.00

1938 ................................... VF-30 $31.00

1938 .............................. ICCS VF-30 $31.00

1938 ............................... ICG MS-62 $265.00

1939 50 Cent

1939 .................................... F-15 $13.00

1939 ................................... VF-20 $15.00

1939 ................................... VF-30 $21.00

1939 ................................... MS-64 $520.00

1940 50 Cent

1940 .............................. ICCS MS-64 SOLD

Some people are trying collect George VI half dollars by varieties in the position of the final two digits of the dates. Because die production methods of that era nearly every die will be slightly different. For each date the major catalogs put them all into only a handful of somewhat arbitrarily picked varieties but one sees many examples that cannot be clearly assigned to one variety or the other. Even the Charlton catalogue and ICCS occasionally assign a die variety to two different types. A few people are asking about them, so I have provided images and explanations some of them as best I understand them, but many months of keeping records of what I encountered to determine relative rarities of these varieties (information provided below), in most cases I found them to have no significant rarity differences. In my opinion, it makes no sense to collect them that way unless one intends to collect these by die variety, and while I will leave in place the explanations and images I put here earlier, I have decided not to list most of them for sale based on variety other than in a handful of cases where I feel it is significant or the particular variety has been a long recognized and well established as a collectable variety (such as the 1946 design, 1951 no design, etc).

The major 1941 varieties are wide and narrow dates defined by the positions of the final 1 relative to the denticles below. Wide date coins have a 1 that points between two denticles and on narrow date coins it points directly at a denticle. out of 47 coins examined, that came to us randomly, there were 22 WIDE and 25 NARROW date coins.

1941 wide date, points between denticles.

1941 narrow date, points at a denticle.

1941 50 Cent

1941 ................................... XF-40 $13.00

1941 ................................... XF-45 $15.00

1941 ........................ edge toned XF-45 $15.00

1941 ................................... AU-55 $25.00

For 1942 Charlton lists a wide and narrow date, but looking at his images I see no significant difference to define them by. In a group of 5 examples that came in together, all were slightly different with no clear way to define them into categories. Two had a narrow gap between the 9 and 4 but one of those had a wide and the other a narrow gap between the 4 and 2. Three had a wide gap between the 9 and 4, of which two had a narrow and one a wide gap between the 4 and 2. Within those there were also variations on how the two lined up with the denticles below. With no way to define them, I see no point listing any varieties.

1942 50 Cent

1942 ................................... XF-40 $13.00

1942 ..................... lightly toned XF-40 $13.00

1942 ................. CCCS/ICCS crossed MS-63 $72.00

1943 has four variations of wide date, medium and narrow dates plus a distinctive 3/3 date. The wide, medium and narrow dates can be defined by drawing a line down the left side of the three and looking to see how the cross bar of the 4 ends relative to that line. Out of 158 examples examined I noticed varieties within even those major categories and the occasional coin which could not be clearly assigned to a specific category. The wide date was slightly scarcer than the medium and narrow, but not by enough to justify a different price.

There was one variety that was much scarcer and for which a higher value is justified, which is a 3/3 variety with only 4 examples in that 158 coins we examined.

1943 wide date, the 4 ends before line.

1943 medium date, the 4 end slightly across line

1943 narrow date, 4 ends further across line.

1943 3 over 3.

1943 50 Cent

1943 ................................... XF-40 $13.00

1943 ....................... light toned XF-40 $13.00

1943 ...................... nicely toned XF-45 $15.50

1943 3/3 ............................... AU-55 SOLD

1944 half dollars are complex with many combinations of wide and narrow dates as well as high, medium and low 4's, as the last digit was hand punched into every die so can be in a different position on every die. My opinion is wide and narrow dates are meaningless because of the many examples that cannot be defined as one or the other. What is more distinctive is the position of the final 4 relative to the unicorn's hoof where most examples have the back of the four touching the hoof, but there appears to be one die where the back of the 4 is well below the hoof, not touching it at all. There is also a 4/4 variety where the final 4 is distinctly re-punched. There is also a variety with a small die break on the hoof overlaps part of the 4, creating a hoof over 4 nearly identical to the 1949 hoof over 9 type.

Out of 145 random examples I found 13 low 4's, 129 regular 4's and 3 4/4's. Among the regular 4's there was a roughly equal mix of examples that one might define as wide, narrow and ones that could not be defined as either. I feel this justifies higher values for the low 4 and 4/4 examples, but the use of wide and narrow have not real meaning. If examples come to me certified by ICCS to wide or narrow I list them that way, otherwise I do not.

1944 regular 4, hoof touches the 4showing 3 different positions of the hoof
3 different spacing between the 4's

1944 low 4, no part of the hoof touches the 4.

1944 4/4 with a distinctly doubled final 4.

1944 50 Cent

1944 ................................... XF-40 $12.50

1944 ................................... XF-45 $16.00

1944 ................................... AU-50 $18.00

1944 ................................... AU-55 $25.00

1944 ................................... MS-60 $32.00

1944 low 4 .............................. VG-8 SOLD

1944 4/4 ............................... AU-50 SOLD

In 1945 there are blunt and pointed 5's, plus wide and narrow dates. So far I have found all blunt 5's are wide dates. Pointed 5's come in both wide and narrow dates defined by the spacing between the 4 and 5 but there are several dies with various spacings and some are not clearly wide or narrow dates. In 102 random examples, there were 18 blunt 5's (all wide date), and 84 pointed 5's with a fairly even distribution of wide and narrow dates. With only 18 blunt 5's out of 102 coins, the blunt 5 is scarcer but still easy to fine and we do not feel a higher price is justified. Because the two different five shapes, probably two different punches were involved making this a justifiable variety, but with no difference in value we will no longer list them separately but if you are looking for one or the other we will try to help.

1945 blunt 5.

1945 narrow date with 4 and 5 close together.

1945 pointed 5 wide date (4 and 5 further a part).

1945 50 Cent

1945 ................................... AU-50 $17.50

1946 half dollars are somewhat complicated, even more so than the standard references indicate where non-"design" types are only listed as wide and narrow dates, but there are clearly wide, medium and narrow date examples. They can be distinguished as follows :

Narrow date6 ends to the left of rock line edge.4 and 6 touch.

Middle date6 ends on the rock line edge.Gap between the 4 and the 6.

Wide date 6 ends to the right of rock line edge, nearer the ring.Distinct gap between the 4 and 6.

Unless you use three types the middle date would be defined a narrow date based on the distance between the 6 tip and the ring, but as a wide date based on the gap between the 4 and 6. I have now examined 44 examples and found 12 wide date, 30 middle date, and 2 narrow date. The wide and middle dates do not show enough difference in scarcity to justify a different value, but the narrow date where the 4 and 6 touch are much scarcer and do justify a higher value. For now we have decided it is best to just list the scarce narrow dates as a separate variety, and combine the middle and wide dates as just 1946 without designation, but if you wanted to purchase a particular one we will be happy to sort one out for you if you let us know.

1946 50 Cent

1946 ...................... light toning VF-20 $13.00

1946 ................................... VF-20 $13.00

1946 ................................... VF-30 $15.50

1946 ............. very minor spots ICCS AU-50 $32.00

To make the 1946 half dollars even more complicated, one or more of the dies deteriorated in stages resulting various stages of infilling in the 6. First a small die break started inside of the 6, resulting in a small filling at the top, in what we call the "partial design". While not listed in most commonly used references, it was noted by Zoell in his books on Canadian varieties as # R447a. Until recently I thought all were narrow date varieties, but I have now determined these exist for the wide date variety, so clearly two different dies are involved. On one of the dies, that break expands across the 6 to the left where it touches the bottom of the 4, but with still only the top of the 6 filled, becoming a full design (defined by this die break touching the 4) in what we call the "design #2". Finally the break widens inside the 6 until more than 50% of the 6 is fill, becoming what I call the "design #1", and which is the "design" type listed in some references, and is also known as the "hoof" in other references.

partial designdie break only inside top of 6. Listed by Hans Zoell as P447c.

design #2die break extends across to 4only top of 6 filled.

design #1, die break extends across to 4inside of 6 more than 50% filled.

1946 DESIGN 50 Cent

1946, partial design ZOELL R447a ....... XF-40 SOLD

1946, full design #2 ................... XF-40 SOLD

1946, full design #1 ................... VF-20 $72.50

1946, full design #1 .............. ICCS VF-20 $72.50

1947 half dollars come in four significant varieties. The two major divisions are those minted in 1947 without a small maple leaf after the date, and those minted in 1948 which have the small maple leaf after the date. Each of those are found with either a curved 7 (curved right 7) or a 7 (curved left 7). Wide and narrow date variations exist, but I have not yet found a simply diagnostic for them, and as there seems to be no difference in scarcity between narrow and wide dates, for now I am not listing them here. The maple leaf types are much scarcer than those without, and the maple leaf with the straight 7 (or curved left 7) is very rare.

1947 curved left or straight 7

1947 curved right or curved 7

1947 50 Cent

1947 curved left ....................... XF-40 SOLD

1947 curved right ...................... XF-40 SOLD

When India received its independence in 1947 the "IND IMP" (India's Emperor) had to be removed from all British Commonwealth coins dated after 1947. The new designs were prepared in England and the dies with the new designs for Canada were not ready until late 1948. As new coins were needed during this waiting period coins dated 1947 were struck with a small maple leaf after the date indicating they are actually minted in 1948.

1947 maple leaf curved left

1947 MAPLE LEAF 50 Cent

1947 maple leaf (ML) half dollars had a total mintage of about 38,400 roughly double that of the 1948 silver dollar but much lower than any other 50 cent of this period. There are two varieties where the bottom of the 7 can curved left (also known as a straight 7) or right (pointed 7). While the curved left (straight 7) examples are scarce, the 1947 maple leaf curved right examples are rarely encountered and in my experience are scarcer than the 1921 5 cent. Most 1947 maple leaf half dollars are weakly struck in the upper left of the reverse shield.

1947 MAPLE LEAF curved left ....... ICCS VF-30 $68.00

1947 MAPLE LEAF curved left ............ XF-40 $90.00

1947 MAPLE LEAF curved left lt tone ICCS XF-45 $115.00

1947 MAPLE LEAF curved right ....... ICCS F-15 SOLD

Because the dies for the 1948 half dollars were not ready until late in the year and the mintage of 1948 50 cents was low and the coins are today scarce. The Charlton standard catalogue lists narrow and wide date (with high and low 4) 1948 half dollars but I find the differences to be relatively insignificant and difficult to sort out and not important enough to be bothered with here.

1948 50 Cent

1948 ................ weak left of crown VF-20 $120.00

1949 half dollars are complicated with a combination of the position of the 4's relative to the 9's, with high, medium and low 4's, and the size of the gap between the first 9 and the 4, with wide and narrow gaps. The more we look, the more varieties we find (there are some with even higher 4's), and every die must have been different. We have noticed that the low 9's seem to be a little scarcer than the high and medium 9's but not by enough to justify any difference in value, so at this time I will not be separating them in our listings.

The one distinctive variety is that called the "hoof" or "hoof over" where a die crack extends from the unicorn's hoof and onto the 9, making it look like the hoof overlays part of the 9. They would have been struck late in the working life of just one die, and are scarce and the only variety we now feel justifies being listed separately at a higher value.

1949 high 4 narrow dateTop of 4 higher than 9's.narrow gap between 9 and 4

1950 half dollar dies usually have some ground lines visible inside the 0 of 1950, which can be anything from vary from strong fully across the 0 from top to bottom to only a trace in the lower right. Some examples known as the 1950 no design have no trace of the ground lines inside the 0 although there may be a die break across the date which cuts through that 0. Most reference now list three varieties of this date:

1950 full design

1) Full design - four visible ground lines inside the 0 with the top line extending more than half way across. There will be three lines visible between the 5 and 0.

1950 part design with strong lines

2) Half design - Anywhere with one to four lines visible inside the 0 with the top one not extending more than half way across the 0. If any trace of even one line is visible the example cannot be called no design. There are also traces of ground lines between the 5 and 0.

The Charlton Standard Catalogue still lists the half design examples and at slightly higher prices than full designs but there is no difference in rarity so no difference in value can be justified. In my own opinion, as these varieties result from die polishing, not die cutting, and there is a very broad range of how clear or complete the lines are, they are not really legitimate varieties and I will not list them separately here. I notice the CCN trend sheet no longer lists them.

.

1950 no design, this example has the die break

3) No design - no trace of ground lines inside the 0 or between the 0 and 5, or to the lower right of the 0. One must look under magnification to be certain no lines are visible inside the 0.

4) No design with die break. The same characteristics as the regular no design but with a clear die break across the 0 and extending to the bottom of the 5. Originally only examples with this die break were considered true no design's but today the die break is no longer considered necessary for this variety. Those with the die break are scarcer and I do differentiate and price them higher. Because these are very distinctive they are accepted in all references as a distinct variety.

ELIZABETH IIAD 1953 - PRESENT

Young Head Series

1953 50 Cent

Examples struck earlier in 1953 have a very weak shoulder fold which often does not strike up, making the Queen's shoulder look bare so known as the "no shoulder strap" (NSS) or "no shoulder fold" (NSF) variety. Later in 1953 new dies were cut to strengthen the shoulder fold and are known as the "shoulder strap" (SS) or "shoulder fold" (SF) variety. The early NSS variety has strongly serifed "I"'s in the obverse, while SS variety has straighter "I"'s, and the "I"'s are the best way to confirm this variety.

NSS examples usually have a small date, while the SS examples always have a large date. Some example are found of NSS with a small date and are probably mule errors, but as they are only slightly uncommon and no one thinks of them as an error.

1953 small date NSS ....... nicely toned AU-50 $12.50

1953 large date NSS .................... MS-60 SOLD

1953 large date SS ................ ICCS MS-63 SOLD

1954 50 Cent

1954 ................................... XF-40 SOLD

1955 50 Cent

1955 ................................... AU-50 SOLD

1956 50 Cent

1956 ................................... AU-55 SOLD

1957 50 Cent

1957 .............................. ICCS PL-64 $23.00

1957 .............................. ICCS PL-65 $28.00

1957 ................. light toning ICCS PL-65 $28.00

1958 dot

1958 50 Cent

Some 1958 half dollars have a small dot below the last "A" in "CANADA", resulting from die deterioration.

1958 .............................. ICCS MS-6 SOLD

1958 dot ............................... VF-20 SOLD

1959 50 Cent

1959 ............ ICCS ultra heavy cameo PL-66 SOLD

1960 50 Cent

1960 .................. ICCS heavy cameo PL-65 SOLD

1961 50 Cent

1961 ................................... MS-62 $ 9.00

1961 ................................... MS-63 $11.00

1961 .................. slight tone ICCS MS-63 $11.00

1962 50 Cent

1962 ................................... MS-62 $ 9.00

1962 ................................... MS-63 $11.00

1962 .............................. ICCS MS-65 $60.00

1962 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 9.00

1962 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE $10.00

1963 50 Cent

1963 .......... toning at top of reverse MS-62 $ 8.50

1963 ................................... MS-62 $ 8.50

1963 ................................... MS-63 $10.00

1963 .............................. ICCS MS-63 $10.00

1963 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 8.50

1963 ................ toning at top PROOF-LIKE $ 8.50

1964 50 Cent

1964 ....................... heavy cameo MS-60 $11.00

1964 ................................... MS-62 $ 8.50

1964 ............................. cameo MS-62 $12.00

1964 ................................... MS-63 $10.00

1964 .................. slight tone ICCS MS-63 $10.00

1964 ............................. cameo MS-63 $12.00

1964 ................................... MS-64 $16.00

1964 .............................. ICCS MS-64 $16.00

1964 ................................... MS-65 $60.00

1964 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00

1964 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE $ 9.00

1964 ... attractive edge tone cameo PROOF-LIKE $ 9.00

1964 .............................. ICCS PL-65 $10.50

Mature Head Series

1965 50 Cent

1965 ..................... lightly toned MS-62 $ 8.50

1965 ................................... MS-62 $ 8.50

1965 ................................... MS-63 $10.00

1965 ..................... lightly toned MS-63 $10.00

1965 ................................... MS-64 $16.00

1965 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00

1965 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE $ 9.00

1966 50 Cent

1966 ................................... MS-62 $ 8.50

1966 ................................... MS-63 $19.00

1966 ................................... MS-64 $16.00

1966 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00

In 1967, to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary as a country, all of the standard circulating coins were issued depicting various animals common to Canada, with a howling wolf depicted on these 50 cent coins. Please note that the examples of this type we offer here are exceptional examples, either Proof-likes, Specimens or high end MS examples, often with a cameo portrait and/or wolf. Normal examples, even in MS-60 to 62, or even specimens and proof-likes with any problems, are very common and only worth the value of the silver they contain so we do not list them here. For most coins if listed as cameo it is only the portrait side where the cameo effect is important. On these 1967 coins many people like the cameo effect on the animals, so for these we will note if the cameo is on the portrait, on the wolf or both (you seldom get it on both, but they do show up sometimes in the specimen sets). Note that for the PCGS examples below the comments about cameo effect are mine, and not on the PCGS holders as they do not comment on cameo's on Canadian MS coins.

1967 50 Cent

1967 wolf .............................. MS-62 $ 8.00

1967 wolf .............................. MS-63 $10.00

1967 wolf .................. trace toned MS-63 $10.00

1967 wolf ......................... ICCS MS-63 $10.00

1967 wolf ... minor edge toning spots SPECIMEN $11.00

NICKEL HALF DOLLARS

With the switch from silver to nickel coins in 1968, half dollars was reduced from the 29.72 mm of the previous silver coins to 27.13 mm, making them easy to differentiate. All 50 cents after 1967, other than some odd mint commemorative's, are struck to the 27.13 mm size including those struck of silver for the proof sets starting in 1996.

Nickel half dollars from 1968 to 1986 are very common and average ones are not of enough value for us to list here. I only list either exceptionally high quality examples (normally from Proof-like, Specimen or Proof sets) or scarce varieties, but as you can see even they are not of significant value. Starting in 1987 the mintages are dramatically reduced as the mint stopped issuing them through banks, and most dates after 1986 command a small premium with the newest dates being the most difficult to find.

Please note that up to 2011 when I describe a coin to be Proof-like (PL) I mean a coin from a mint set, intestinally struck to a higher quality than normal, but worth less than a MS (Mint State) coin from a bank roll in the same grade. They are fairly easily differentiated by their strike and luster. ICCS and some references call such coins "NON-CIRCULATING NUMISMATIC MINT STATE" which I feel will cause confusion in beginning collectors. Starting in 2012 the mint stopped making intentionally nicer coins for the standard sets and the coins are all simply MS (mint state) except for specimen and proof examples.

1968 50 Cent

1968 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

1968 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1969 50 Cent

1969 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.25

1969 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

1969 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1970 50 Cent

1970 ................................... MS-60 $ 1.00

1970 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.25

1970 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

1970 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1970 ........................ cameo PROOF-LIKE $ 3.00

Beginning in 1971, the mint begins issuing three different striking qualities, with a fourth added in 1981:

Mint state (abbreviated MS) which are coins struck for issue through the banks and have average lustre and surface qualities. In most cases MS coins have little value unless in the highest range of the MS coins, and those are seldom seen. We don't list most dates in MS because they are not of high enough value to justify the time and trouble to list and/or ship them.

Proof-like (abbreviated PL) are standard mint set coins, usually from the pliofilm packaged sets, red double penny sets, and later the blue book set, but in later dates there were a variety of other types of sets they can come from. PL coins have a much higher lustre than MS coins, mostly because they are struck from dies in their newest die state. They also have very minimal marks (the average PL is a PL-64) as they did not go through as many of the mint handling processes as MS coins do, but they are not perfect coins and one should not expect them to be absolutely mark free.

Specimen (abbreviated SP or SPEC) which were in the black leather double dollar sets from 1971 to 1980, and for later dates in various types sets. Like PL coins they are struck from dies in their freshest die state but differ in being double struck to give them a higher lustre and sharper images, and they do not go through any mint handling processes before going into the sets so are nearly mark free. The rims tend and edges tend to be a little sharper although this is not obvious on a casual inspection. When we list a coin as being a specimen, it is because we personally took it from a specimen set before listing it here.

Proof (abbreviated PR) coins are very nice coins found mostly issued in the double dollar black leather boxed proof sets starting in 1981, although some specialty coins did come other ways. The coins are clearly differing from the other striking qualities by being double struck from specially prepared dies so they have mirror fields and frosted images (and ultra cameo effect) and are specially handled so they go into the sets in near perfect condition as possible.

1971 50 Cent

From 1971 to 1973 the coins in the double dollar specimen sets rest on the red flocking which in most sets has deteriorated and reacted with the coins, damaging the surfaces, resulting in finding nice specimen examples from these there dates somewhat difficult.

1971 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.25

1971 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

1971 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1972 50 Cent

1972 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1972 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1973 50 Cent

1973 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.25

1973 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

1973 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1973 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1974 50 Cent

Specimen set designs were improved in 1974 so that the packaging no longer damages the coins, resulting in specimen examples becoming much easier to find that in 1971 through 1973. A variety of 1974 50 cent known as the "missing A" is sometimes found on mint state strikes. The T A designers initials normally flank the point of the reverse shield, but on this variety the A to the right is missing.

1974 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1974 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1974 missing S ......................... MS-62 SOLD

1975 50 Cent

1975 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1975 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1976 50 Cent

Starting in 1976 it is very unusual to see proof-like strikes with any significant cameo effect.

1976 ................................... MS-63 $ 1.50

1976 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1976 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1977 50 Cent

1977 ................................... MS-60 $ 2.00

1977 ................................... MS-62 $ 2.50

1977 ................................... MS-63 $ 3.00

1977 ................................... MS-64 $ 8.00

1977 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.50

1977 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 3.00

Round jewel 1978 50 cent

Square jewel 1978 50 cent

1978 50 Cent

1978 half dollars are found with two shapes of jewels on the band of the crown dividing the date. The common square jewel (SJ) type has three rectangular jewels and is the most common in rolls and sets. The scarcer round jewel (RJ) type has a square center jewel flanked by two rounded jewels and it is rarer in rolls it is much more difficult to find in proof-like and specimen sets.

1978 square jewels ..................... MS-62 $ 1.50

1978 square jewels ..................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1978 square jewels ..................... MS-64 $ 6.50

1978 square jewels ................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD

1978 square jewels .................. SPECIMEN $ 1.75

1978 round jewels ...................... MS-60 $ 5.00

1978 round jewels ...................... MS-62 $ 5.50

1978 round jewels ................. ICCS MS-65 $37.00

1978 round jewels ... ICCS Numismatic BU(PL)67 $40.00

1979 50 Cent

1979 half dollars are found with two bust varieties. On the common type the front tip of the Queen's portrait is slightly rounded, found in mint State, proof-like and specimen sets. The scarcer pointed tip type is only found in proof-like and specimen sets.

1979 rounded bust ...................... MS-62 $ 1.50

1979 rounded bust ...................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1979 rounded bust ................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25

1979 pointed bust ................. PROOF-LIKE $ 4.00

1980 50 Cent

1980 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1980 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1980 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.50

1981 50 Cent

1981 saw the introduction to Proof strike double dollar sets, which proved very popular and sold in large numbers. This caused less interest in specimen sets which after 1980 sold in reduced numbers, making specimen strike half dollars after 1980 more difficult to find.

1981 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1981 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.50

1981 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1982 50 Cent

There are two varieties of 1982 half dollars. The scarcer type found only on circulation strikes has smaller beads around the low relief (more detailed) portrait. The common type has larger beads around a higher relief (less detailed portrait) and is found in all striking types, circulation, Proof-like, Specimen and Proof. The difference between these types is fairly obvious when viewed side by side, but if looking at only one and are uncertain, look at the small jewel attached to the back of the Queen's tiara. The attachment point on the large bead is flared while on the small bead it is straight like a match stick.

1982 large bead ........................ MS-63 $ 2.00

1982 large bead ................... PROOF-LIKE $ 1.25

1982 large bead ........................ PROOF $ 4.00

1982 small beads ....................... MS-62 $20.00

1982 small beads .................. ICCS MS-65 $65.00

1983 50 Cent

1983 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1983 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

1983 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1983 ................................... PROOF $ 4.00

1984 50 Cent

1984 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1984 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

1984 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1984 ................................... PROOF $ 4.00

1985 50 Cent

1985 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.50

1985 ................................... PROOF $ 4.00

Half dollars were seldom seen in circulation after the mid-1960's but were struck in fairly large numbers until 1985. Beginning in 1986 mintages were reduced and they are somewhat difficult to find, although not very expensive, although they are available in mint sets. The exceptions are 1991 and the 2002 special 50th anniversary of accession issue, which were minted in larger numbers and an attempt was made to put them into circulation, but very few actually did circulate beyond the first to second person to receive them.

1986 50 Cent

1986 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1986 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1986 ................................... PROOF $ 4.00

1987 50 Cent

1987 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

1987 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1987 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1988 50 Cent

1988 .............................. PROOF-LIKE SOLD

1989 50 Cent

1989 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.50

1989 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1990 50 Cent

1990 ................................... MS-63 $ 4.00

1990 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.50

1990 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1991 50 Cent

1991 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

1991 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 3.00

1991 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 4.00

1991 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1992 50 Cent

1992 was Canada's 125th anniversary of confederation, and all 50 cents of this year have the date shown as the double date 1867-1992.

1992 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.50

1992 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 3.00

1992 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1993 50 Cent

1993 ................................... MS-60 $ 1.00

1993 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.50

1993 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1993 ................................... MS-64 $ 2.00

1993 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 6.50

1993 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.50

1993 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1994 50 Cent

One of the 1994 half dollar dies developed a small die pit inside the G of DG on the obverse inscription, resulting in a raised dot inside the G on the coin, known as the 1994 DOT variety.

1994 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.50

1994 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1994 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

1994 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1994 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1994 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1994 DOT IN G .......................... MS-64 $12.00

1995 50 Cent

A set of commemorative 50 cents was issued in 1996 with Proof quality images of birds in sterling silver, at the same standards are the 1996 and later proof half dollars.

1995 ................................... MS-60 $ 1.00

1995 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.50

1995 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1995 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1995 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.50

1995 ................................... PROOF $ 5.00

1995, Atlantic Puffins.................. PROOF $16.00

1995, Whooping Crane ................... PROOF $16.00

1995, Gray Jays ........................ PROOF $16.00

1995, White-tailed Ptarmigan ........... PROOF $16.00

1995 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF $60.00

From 1996 to 2011 all Proof strike half dollars were struck in sterling (92.5%) silver at 9.3 grams so contain 0.276 ounces of silver. Proof-like, specimen and circulation strike coins continue to be pure nickel at 8.10 grams, until the 2001 when they change to nickel plated steel. The mint did not create a fully sealed packaging for the proof sets so silver coins in these sets often have a light golden brown toning around the edges which one should expect that on these coins in some dates, which can be fairly attractive. I will not in my listings if those coins are toned, or white.

1996 50 Cent

A set of commemorative 50 cents was issued in 1996 with Proof quality images of baby animals on the same sterling silver blanks as the regular Proof 50 cents.

1996 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1996 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 3.00

1996 ... light golden edge toning silver PROOF $10.00

1996, Moose calf ....................... PROOF $16.00

1996, Wood Ducklings ................... PROOF $16.00

1996, Cougar Kittens ................... PROOF $16.00

1996, Black Bear Cubs .................. PROOF $16.00

1996 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF $60.00

1997 50 Cent

The Canadian Coin News trend sheet lists Ottawa and Winnipeg half dollars separately at different prices. While still in proof-like sets they can be identified to Ottawa or Winnipeg by the position in the sets but once removed they cannot be differentiated and so I list all examples at the same price (lower of the two listed).

A set of Proof sterling silver commemorative 50 cents was issued in 1997 depicting dogs.

1997 ................................... MS-60 $ 1.00

1997 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 1.50

1997 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.00

1997 ... light golden edge toning silver PROOF $10.00

1997 ...................... white silver PROOF $10.00

1997, Newfoundland ..................... PROOF SOLD

1997, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever PROOF SOLD

1997, Labrador Retriever ............... PROOF SOLD

1997, Canadian Eskimo Dog .............. PROOF SOLD

1997 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF SOLD

1998 50 Cent

In 1998, the Mint put a "W" mint mark below the Queen's head on coins minted at Winnipeg, although those were all in proof-like sets. Later in the years the minting of these sets was moved back to Ottawa where no mint mark was used. Thus proof-like 50 cents are found both with and without the "W" mint mark. All circulation (MS), specimen and proof coins were without mint mark. The finish on 1998 proof-like coins returns to high luster finish, while specimen coins retain the slightly matte finish fields with high lustre designs that first appeared in 1996.

A set of Proof sterling silver commemorative 50 cents was issued in 1998 depicting whales, as well as another set depicting sports events.

1998 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.50

1998 ... light golden edge toning silver PROOF $10.00

1998 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 3.00

1998, Killer Whale ..................... PROOF $16.00

1998, Humpback Whale ................... PROOF $16.00

1998, Beluga Whale ..................... PROOF $16.00

1998, Blue Whale ....................... PROOF $16.00

1998 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF $60.00

1998, First amateur figure skating champ PROOF SOLD

1998, First Can ski run/jump champ. .... PROOF SOLD

1998, First overseas Can. soccer tour .. PROOF SOLD

1998, Gilles Villeneaue Grand Prix Vict. PROOF SOLD

1998 COMMEMORATIVE 50 Cent

To commemorate the Royal Canadian Mint's 90th anniversary, special mint sets were struck with the sizes, alloys, and general reverse designs of the 1908 coins, but with Queen Elizabeth's portrait and the date shown as "1908 - 1998". The early sets were struck with an antiqued matte-proof finish that proved unpopular and are now the scarer type. The later sets have a mirror proof finish.

1908-1998 ........................ MATTE-PROOF $20.00

1908-1998 ....................... MIRROR-PROOF SOLD

1999 50 Cent

A set of Proof sterling silver commemorative 50 cents depicting cats was issued in 1999 and is the most popular and difficult to find of the animal series. An additional silver proof 50 cents set was issued commemorating sporting events.

1999 ................................... MS-62 $ 1.50

1999 ................................... MS-63 $ 2.00

1999 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

1999 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.50

1999 ... light golden edge toning silver PROOF $10.00

1999 ...................... white silver PROOF $10.00

1999, Tonkinese ........................ PROOF SOLD

1999, Lynx ............................. PROOF SOLD

1999, Cymric ........................... PROOF SOLD

1999, Cougar ........................... PROOF SOLD

1999 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF SOLD

1999, First Canadian open golf champ. .. PROOF SOLD

1999, First Can./US yacht race ......... PROOF SOLD

1999, First Grey Cup football .......... PROOF SOLD

1999, Invention of Basketball .......... PROOF SOLD

1999 P TEST 50 Cent

In 1999, as a cost saving measure, the Canadian Mint made plans to strike 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent coins on nickel plated steel blanks which were first nickel plated, then copper plated and then for all denominations other than the 1 cent, nickel plated again. A P was placed below the Queen's portrait to indicate a plated steel blank. First struck only as test tokens for vending machine companies for calibrate purposes, those companies were supposed to return them to the mint. Some ended up on the market at very high prices so the mint got in on the action selling 20,000 sets to collectors at much lower prices.

Packaged like Proof-like sets their exact status is unclear and I prefer to call them Proof-likes, but others including ICCS call them Mint State. A mintage of only 20,000 means they are nearly as scarce as 1948 dollars. The vinyl packaging leaves a light film on them that can be removed with rubbing alcohol.

1999 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2000 50 Cent

All 2000 half dollars in MS, PL and Specimen were intended to be on pure nickel blanks without the P for plated, although some have the W for the Winnipeg mint. A small number of 2000 half dollars with the "P" were accidental released mounted in souvenir clocks, although only some of the clocks have this.

The final sets of Proof sterling silver animal (birds of prey) and sports commemorate 50 cents was issued in 2000.

2000 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 2.50

2000 ... golden brown edge toning silver PROOF $10.00

2000 ...................... white silver PROOF $10.00

2000 W ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

2000, Bald Eagle ....................... PROOF $16.00

2000, Osprey ........................... PROOF $16.00

2000, Great Horned Owl ................. PROOF $16.00

2000, Red-Tailed Hawk .................. PROOF $16.00

2000 Complete set the 4 above .. in case PROOF $60.00

2000, First recorded hockey game ....... PROOF SOLD

2000, Introduction of curling to N. Amer PROOF SOLD

2000, First Steeplechase race in Br.N.AM PROOF SOLD

2000, Birth of 5 pin bowling league .... PROOF SOLD

2001 50 Cent

Circulation strike "P" half dollars on plated steel blanks with the P mark were struck in 2001. From 2001 through 2003 silver proof half dollars were struck commemorating festivals across Canada, four per year.

2001 ... golden brown edge toning silver PROOF $10.00

2001 P ................................. MS-63 $ 2.00

2001 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 2.00

2001 P .............................. SPECIMEN $ 2.50

2001, Quebec Winter Carnival ........... PROOF $16.00

2001, NFLD and Lab. Folk Festival ...... PROOF $16.00

2001, PEI Festival of Fathers .......... PROOF $16.00

2001, Nunavut Toonik Tyme .............. PROOF SOLD

2002 50 Cent

Two different half dollars were struck in 2002, both doubled dated as 1952 - 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's ascension. All all other than silver proof's have the P below the Queen's portrait.

Circulation (MS) examples known as the "Ascension" type show the Queen's young portrait as depicted on her 1953 coronation medals, crowned with "E II R CANADA" to the left, "D G REGINA" to the right and dates on the reverse below the Canadian arms. Large numbers were put into circulation through post offices and Hudson Bay stores, making them the last circulating Canadian half dollar although few circulated very long. Sterling silver proofs of this type exist in some specialty proof sets but are difficult to find. Circulation strikes have a high lustre finish and look Proof-like. Some were issued in special 5 and 10 coin packs and probably should be described as proof-like as per the Charlton listing, but the CCN trend sheet does not.

The examples in standard Proof-like, specimen and silver Proof sets have the normal more mature crowned portrait with the date to the lower left of the portrait. The CCN trend sheet lists these in MS but I believe that is an error.

The mint began issuing a wide variety of special commemorative half dollars in 2002, which I list when available. Most came in packaging too large to send in standard mailers so are expensive so ship and extra postage may apply if you need them in the original packaging.

2002 P date below arms ................. MS-62 $ 1.50

2002 P date below arms ................. MS-63 $ 2.00

2002 P date below arms .............. .. MS-64 $ 6.50

2002 P date below arms ............ PROOF-LIKE $ 3.00

2002 dates below head...... white silver PROOF $10.00

2002 P dates below head ........... PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00

2002 P dates below head ............. SPECIMEN $ 8.00

2002, Annapolis Valley Blossom festival, PROOF SOLD

2002, Stratford Festival of Canada ..... PROOF SOLD

2002, Folklorama (Manitoba) ............ PROOF SOLD

2002, Calgary Stampede ................. PROOF $16.00

2003 50 Cent

2003 saw a return to the standard half dollar design. No 2003 50 cents were issued in MS bank rolls but are only available from proof-like, specimen and silver proof sets. Most examples have the P for plated and the crowned Queen's effigy and marked with the P for plated, and are found in all three set types. A new Queens portrait was introduced without a crown (uncrowned) in Proof-like sets minted at Winnipeg and are marked below the Queen's portrait with but the P for plated and W for Winnipeg, the only time the P and W are seen on the same coin. The final set of four Canadian festival silver proof half dollars were issued in 2003 with the earlier crowned portrait.

2003 Old effigy crowned ......... silver PROOF SOLD

2003 P Old effigy crowned ......... PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00

2003 P Old effigy crowned ........... SPECIMEN SOLD

2003 W P New effigy uncrowned ..... PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2003, Yukon Festival ................... PROOF SOLD

2003, Back to Batoche (Saskatchewan) ... PROOF SOLD

2003, Great Northern Art Fest., Inuvik . PROOF SOLD

2003, Festival Acadien de Caraquet (NB), PROOF SOLD

Starting in 2004 all standard coins have the new uncrowned portrait first introduced part way through 2003.

2004 50 Cent

No 2004 50 cents were issued as MS in rolls but are available from proof-like, specimen and proof sets. Other than silver proofs these coins are marked with the P for plated.

2004 ............................ silver PROOF SOLD

2004 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2005 50 Cent

In 2005 Mint state examples were again issued in bank rolls, although no rolls were actually issued through banks and you had to order them from the mint, so they were issued in MS, specimen, proof-like and silver proof, with all but the silver proofs still baring the P below the Queen's bust.

2005 ... golden brown edge toning silver PROOF $15.00

2005 ...................... white silver PROOF $12.00

2005 P ............................ ICCS MS-66 $32.00

2005 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 4.00

2006 50 Cent

In 2006 most half dollars other than silver proofs have the "P" for plated and are found in MS (bank rolls), proof-like and specimen sets. As all 50 cents other than silver proofs had been on plated blanks since 2001 it was decided later in 2006 to replace the "P" for plated with a stylized maple leaf mint logo, although it no longer meant plated as it occurs on some later solid silver issues. 2006 half dollars with the mint logo are only found in some special edition proof-like sets (none in bank rolls) and are scarce. A special silver proof half dollar with a gold plated reverse was also issued in the covers of 2006 mint reports.

2006 ............................ silver PROOF $12.00

2006 P ............................ PROOF-LIKE $ 4.00

2006 P .............................. SPECIMAN $ 4.50

2006 LOGO ......................... PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2006 mint report gilt reverse ... silver PROOF SOLD

Starting in 2007 all half dollars have the stylized mint logo, but are still on plated blanks other than for the solid sterling silver Proofs. Limited numbers of circulation strike (MS) examples were issued in bank rolls every year after this, but no rolls were sent to banks but rather had to be ordered through the mint.

2007 50 Cent

2007 ................................ SPECIMEN $ 4.00

2008 50 Cent

2008 .............................. ICCS MS-67 $77.50

2008 .............................. PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2008 ............................ silver PROOF $12.00

2009 50 Cent

2009 .............................. PROOF-LIKE SOLD

2009 ............................ silver PROOF SOLD

2010 50 Cent

2010 ................................... MS-63 $ 3.00

2010 ................................... MS-65 $20.00

2010 .............................. PROOF-LIKE $ 8.00

2010 ............................ silver PROOF SOLD

In 2011 the mint stopped making intentionally superior quality coins for Proof-like (standard) mint sets, rather using normal MS coins that had not gone through all of the mint handling processes rolled coins go through. With is no way to differentiate between MS-63 or better coins from a set vs bank rolls, they should be priced the same with the prices reflecting how earlier dates from sets are priced. When available I will price the standard 50 cent types here at MS-63 @ $3.00. MS-64 @ $6.50. MS-65 @ $ 8.50. Specimen sets are still produced with frosted backgrounds and mirror designs and should be priced slightly higher than the PL listings.

2011 50 Cent

2011 ................................... MS-63 $ 3.00

2011 ................................... MS-64 $ 6.50

2011 ................................... MS-65 $ 8.50

2011 ................................ SPECIMEN $10.00

2011 commem. 1911-2011 ................. PROOF SOLD

2011 Winnipeg Jets .................. from Set $12.00

2012 50 Cent

2012 ................................... MS-64 SOLD

2012 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD

2013 50 Cent

2013 ................................... MS-64 SOLD

2013 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD

2014 50 Cent

2014 ................................... MS-65 $10.00

2015 50 Cent

2015 ................................... MS-64 SOLD

2015 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD

2015 ............................ silver PROOF SOLD

2014 50 Cent

2016 ................................... MS-65 SOLD

2016 ................................ SPECIMEN SOLD

2008 MILK TOKEN 50 Cent

A very strange 50 cent coin was struck to commemorate milk delivery in Canada. On a triangular sterling silver blank with a Queen's head obverse, and milk bottle and cow's head reverse, they made it even stranger by covering the reverse with a layer of clear green enamel. These are only in Proof quality. The example we offer below is in a standard 2x2, not the original box of issue although that is available if you pay the extra postage (about $10.00 extra).

2008 Milk delivery commemorative ....... PROOF SOLD

Please note that up to 2010 I describe coins as Proof-like (PL) when from a mint set. PL coins are easily differentiated by their superior strike and luster and although nicer than MS coins from bank rolls are generally worth less. ICCS and some references call these coins "NON-CIRCULATING NUMISMATIC MINT STATE" which I feel is confusing. Starting in 2011 the mint stopped making intentionally nicer coins for standard mint sets, instead using MS (mint state) coins which had not gone though some of the normal mint handling procedures that leave marks on MS coins. Specimen and proof sets still use specially struck coins, which have a very different finish.